Best assets: This could be a special season for Northern Valley at Demarest. The Norsewomen return 10 starters and can challenge for the Big North Conference National Division title and win multiple matches in the Bergen County and North 1, Group 2 tournaments. “This team is very aggressive, a lot of attacking potential, plus a veteran line of defense,” Eftychiou said. The lineup features seven all-division players, including junior G Emma Miller and senior Ds Meredith Gioia, Carley Rotile and Jamie Cotrell. Sophomore Casey Lam is a key figure in a rotating midfield. There is ample firepower up front with junior Izzy Urquiola and sophomore Kyra Pialtos. Freshman Carly Sherman is in the mix. Eftychiou has been with the program since 2003, the last six as the coach, and said, “This is definitely the most nose-for-the-goal, attacking-minded team that we’ve had.”

Forecast: The Norsewomen’s road to the National title, which they won in 2014, goes through Pascack Valley and defending champion Northern Valley at Old Tappan. There are also expectations to win some matches in Bergen County and North 1, Group 2 tournaments. They made an early exit from last year’s Bergen tournament, which ultimately cost them a spot in The Record Top 25. “We need to get those big wins,” Eftychiou said.